When Dante Washington stepped off the Radford pitch in the fall of 1992, he left behind a career unlike any other before or since. The most decorated player in school and Big South history will return to campus for Radford's 6 p.m. contest with Presbyterian Saturday evening at Cupp Stadium.

At halftime, Radford University and the men's soccer program will recognize Washington during an on-field presentation.

“This weekend is a great opportunity for me to get back on campus, which is always fun and special,” commented Washington. “Over the years it has been hard getting back due to my schedule. I'm excited about the direction of the program and honored to become involved with the promotion of the soccer program. This program is very special to me as well as many of my former teammates, who still look back fondly at Radford University and our time there.”

Saturday's game is just a day shy of the moment 18 years ago when Washington led the Highlanders to a 2-1 upset over Vanderbilt. It was also the final home game for one of the most accomplished players in NCAA history.

“I'm excited to see a game not only on campus but also in Cupp Stadium. It's beautiful and something I wish was there during my career.”

Cupp Stadium has a new energy and excitement this season, as bleachers were placed directly behind the goals to accommodate 99 members of the #9 RU Soccer Group on each side. Through two home contests, Radford's average home attendance is 1150, which is almost 600 more per game than the 2009 season.

“We are truly thankful and excited that Dante will be back at Cupp Stadium this weekend,” said head men's soccer coach Marc Reeves. “We expect a great turn out from our #9 RU Soccer Group to show their appreciation for his amazing career and continued support of RU Soccer. Dante is an inspiration to our current players that daily hard work can lead to great success both on and off the field.”

Below is a list of Dante Washington's accomplishments:

• As a freshman in 1988, Washington led the Highlanders to the Big South championship with a school-record 27 goals scored and 22 assists for a Big South single-season record 76 points – a league record that still stands today.

• Led the nation in scoring in 1988.

• Washington missed the 1989 season due to a broken ankle, but came back in 1990 and picked up where he left off as he tallied 23 goals and 18 assists for 64 total points to again lead all of NCAA Division I in scoring.

• In 1991, Washington led the Highlanders to a school-best 15-4-2 overall record and the regular season Big South championship. He was voted Big South Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring for the third time, and his 16 goals and 14 assists for 46 points made him the Big South's all-time leading goal scorer and point scorer during that season.

• Became Radford's first Division I consensus First-Team All-America in 1991 and was also State Player of the Year.

• Washington also participated on the U.S. U-23 team in 1991 and became the first African-American to score a goal for the U.S. National Team.

• In the summer of 1992 he played for the U.S. Olympic Men's Soccer Team at the Barcelona Olympic Games, where he led the team with six goals in qualifying action.

• Washington concluded his collegiate career later that fall with 13 goals and 11 assists in his senior season to finish his brilliant career with 82 goals scored, 66 assists and 230 total points – all Radford and Big South Conference records. His 82 goals scored still rank second all-time in NCAA history.

• Following his Radford career he spent eight seasons in Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew (1996, 2000-05), FC Dallas (1996-99) and Real Salt Lake (2005) scoring 52 goals and dishing out 30 assists in 170 games.

• A two-time MLS all-star (1997, 2000), Washington is fifth all-time on the Crew's goal scoring list.

Men's soccer continues community service efforts

In addition to celebrating Dante Washington's storybook career this weekend, the Highlanders will continue collect new and used soccer cleats at their remaining three home contests. Brian Gwanzura / Boots 4 Brian and Passback's collection boxes will be located at the entrance to Cupp Stadium.

The Radford men's soccer team has teamed with Beans and Rice to collect for their “Weekend Food for Kids Backpack Project.”

With a goal of reaching 100 children, the Highlanders will also set up collection boxes for new and used backpacks at their remaining home contests.

Beans and Rice is a community economic development organization that builds assets and develops capacities in low and moderate-income families through economic and educational programs.